Woman still critical after wall collapse in Melbourne

A woman is fighting for her life in hospital in Melbourne after a brick wall fell on her in the central city on Thursday.

A 30-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man were crushed to death when a 15-metre-long section of brick wall at the former Carlton & United brewery site fell onto the footpath in Swanston Street in the inner city.

The 19-year-old woman hurt in the collapse had surgery overnight for critical head injuries.

Police are yet to confirm the identities of the dead, although next of kin have been informed, the ABC reports.

In the aftermath of the accident, Victoria police issued several pleas for witnesses to come forward.

They are particularly keen to hear from people they believe were injured but did not stop to talk to officers.

It is believed unusually strong wind gusts contributed to the collapse of the wall.